'All systems go' - Adayar 9-2 for Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot after perfect return

A little later than originally planned, 2021 Derby winner Adayar got his season off to the perfect start in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes, with trainer Charlie Appleby expecting the run to put him spot on for the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Originally scheduled for April 28, the Gordon Richards was rained off from Sandown but the switch to Newmarket gave Adayar a good opportunity for a first success at Group level since winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July 2021 and he made no mistake as the 5-6 favourite.

"William Buick said it was tiring ground and he didn't handle the Dip but good horses can overcome all those negatives and do what he did today," said Appleby. "I'm just glad he had a nice experience today and he'll come forward for the race."

The priority for Adayar this season, according to Appleby, is securing a Group 1 success over a mile and a quarter to boost his potential as a stallion and Paddy Power cut the winner to 9-2 (from 7) to achieve that objective in the Prince of Wales's on June 21.

"One would imagine it's all systems go for the Prince of Wales's now," added Appleby. "I've always wanted to get Adayar a Group 1 over a mile and a quarter because I think it will look good on his CV.

"Better ground will suit him better and we'll get a nice, strong pace to run at in the Prince of Wales's, which will suit him down to the ground. We also know he loves Ascot. We'll be taking on the best mile-and-a-quarter horses and there will be no hiding place but hopefully we'll make some headway this season."

Adayar will head to the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot nextCredit: Mark Cranham

Owen Burrows was satisfied with Anmaat's return to action in second, with a trip to Ireland or France on the five-year-old's agenda in the search for a first success at the highest level.

"That was a solid run, especially giving 5lb to Adayar," said Burrows. "We needed to get his season started and he battled all the way to the line. It's hard work out there on that ground and we may well step him up in trip later on this season.

"He'll probably go for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh or the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp next."

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